Still Time to Apply for Funding Support Ahead of End of September Deadline. Mole Valley’s community and voluntary groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations have just under a month to apply for funding support of up to £25,000 to help boost an existing project, or help kick-start a new activity.
Community and voluntary groups in Mole Valley can apply for a share of £50,838 via the UKSPF* Community Capacity Building and Infrastructure Support Grant (CCBISGS) with applications supporting projects that, for example, help increase volunteering, improve town and village centres, increase participation in community activities and reduce crime, being particularly welcomed by Mole Valley District Council (MVDC). More information is available by emailing [email protected].
One of the beneficiaries of the 2022/23 round of MVDC’s funding was Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey. Trusts and Grants Fundraiser, Helen Hopkins, comments: “Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey were delighted to receive a grant for £1,000 to support our volunteer and community engagement work in Mole Valley. It’s so important to have local funding for local events, so a big thank you to MVDC and the UKSPF programme. We would recommend organisations within the voluntary and community sector working in the district to apply for funding.”
Applications up to £25,000 are also being welcomed by MVDC for the other two funding opportunities it offers; the Capital Fund and the Thomas Flack Grant schemes. Email [email protected] for further information on either of these funding avenues.
The Capital Fund is available to community and voluntary organisations in the district for capital projects such as community building improvements, new playground equipment and sports equipment. The Thomas Flack Fund offers funding support – for both capital and revenue projects – for projects specifically benefiting residents of Ashtead, Bookham, Fetcham and Leatherhead. Revenue costs could include activities, events and running costs, while capital costs might include community and sports building refurbishment, and large equipment costs for community benefit, such as play equipment.
MVDC is inviting organisations interested in any of the three funding opportunities submit an online Expression of Interestform by Saturday 16 September and check their eligibility. Once received, MVDC will then guide the prospective applicant through the funding options available to them. Formal applications for any one of the available grants will need to be registered by 30 September 2023.
Councillor Bridget Kendrick, Cabinet Member for Finance and Deputy Leader of MVDC, said: “Whilst there is still time for us to hear from community groups and voluntary organisations in Mole Valley, that window is slowly closing. It is therefore very important if you are involved in one of these groups and have an existing project in need of a funding boost – or you have an idea for a new initiative that needs some money to get off the ground – that you get in touch with us as soon as possible. Alternatively, if you are someone who benefits from the support or facilities an organisation provides and you think they might not be aware of the funding opportunities available, this is the time to let them know!”